Fact Check: Are gangs in major US cities agreeing to protect voters from ICE during midterms?

WASHINGTON, DC: As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a political and legal debate is growing over the possible presence of ICE near polling places. 

An X user claimed that urban gangs are forming temporary truces to protect voters from alleged intimidation by ICE and other federal officers during the midterms. But is the claim true?

Claim: Major US cities agreed to truces through the midterms

The rumor originated from an X user who claimed that gangs in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and other major cities were agreeing to temporary truces during the midterms.

The post claimed, "Gangs in LA, NYC, Chicago, and other major cities are reportedly agreeing to truces through the midterms so they can collectively protect voters from the illegal intimidation and harassment that Trump is directing ICE and other federal officers to do at polling places."

The post appears to parody real lawsuits filed by civil rights groups and cities such as Denver over statements about possible ICE operations near polling places.

Those legal disputes concern federal officers being present near polling locations, while officials have denied that such operations would amount to voter intimidation.

The X post also drew comments from other users. One user wrote, “Oh, I hope so… Because will protect the midterm elections and get rid of a bunch of gang members.” Another user said, “That's civic responsibility in action! It's great they want to help. Let us all know how they do.” 

A third user questioned the claim, writing, “Where is proof? Likely not going to happen. I'd willing apologize if they show up. Protect the people since the law won't. It's all rigged.”

Fact Check: False; no evidence to support the claim

The claim is false. There are no credible reports, police statements, gang communications, or mainstream news reports showing that gangs in multiple cities have agreed to temporary truces for the 2026 midterm elections or to protect voters from federal officers.

Similar rumors about gangs forming truces to protect immigrants from ICE also came from the same satirical account and had no evidence behind them.

There is a real debate over the possible presence of ICE agents near polling places, but federal officials have denied plans to patrol polling locations.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE would not be there to patrol polling places, although agents could respond to an active threat or serve a warrant for someone they were already tracking.

The lawsuits argue that the possibility of armed federal officers could intimidate voters. Officials have rejected claims that they plan to use ICE to intimidate voters.

There have been isolated cases of ICE agents appearing near polling locations for specific enforcement actions, but there is no verified evidence of a nationwide plan to deploy agents to intimidate voters. There is also no evidence that Trump ordered federal officers to carry out illegal intimidation or harassment at polling places.